noun

1. a receding or hollow place, as in a surface, wall, etc.; niche
2. a secluded, withdrawn, or inner place subterranean recesses, the recesses of the subconscious
3. 1. a temporary withdrawal from or halting as of work, business, or study
   2. in elementary school, a scheduled period of relaxation or play, esp. outdoors
4. Anat. a small cavity, hollow, indentation, etc. in an organ or part

Etymology: L recessus < pp. of recedere: see recede

transitive verb

1. to place or set in a recess
2. to form a recess in
3. ☆ to halt temporarily to recess a hearing

intransitive verb